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North Sea SECA takes effect

North Sea SECA takes effect

   The International Maritime Organization said Wednesday that a sulfur oxide emission control area, or SECA, has entered into force in the North Sea with a 12-month grace period.

   Ships operating in the North Sea will have just one year to demonstrate compliance with stringent new exhaust emission standards. In a SECA, the sulphur content of fuel oil used onboard ships must not exceed 1.5 percent. Alternatively, ships must fit an exhaust gas cleaning system.

   The Baltic Sea Area has already been designated as a SECA under the regulations and has been operational since May 19.